Nelson University Students Tour Set of Global Faith Series The Chosen
Nancy Lane, Content Strategist
Nelson University
For Immediate Release
WAXAHACHIE, Texas — March 12, 2026 — Students and faculty from Nelson University’s Alpha Iota Nu chapter of Theta Alpha Kappa recently had the opportunity to tour the production studio of the hit television series The Chosen, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most widely watched faith-based shows in the world.
Since its debut in 2019, The Chosen has reached more than 280 million viewers globally, with over 600 million episode views across streaming platforms and translations in more than 50 languages. The series is produced by 5&2 Studios and supported by the global distribution efforts of the Come and See Foundation.
Theta Alpha Kappa is the only national honor society dedicated to recognizing academic achievement in religious studies and theology for undergraduate and graduate students. Nelson University’s Alpha Iota Nu chapter is led by Dr. Terance Espinoza (President), Dr. Peter Reynolds (Vice President), and Dr. Koo Yun (Secretary-Treasurer).
Since the chapter’s founding in 2008, Nelson University has traditionally inducted graduating seniors from the Department of Church Ministries. Beginning in the 2024–2025 academic year, the chapter expanded its membership to include both juniors and seniors from religious and theological programs across the Department of Church Ministries and Intercultural Studies.
With the expanded membership came a renewed focus on providing meaningful educational experiences for students. One such opportunity arose when chapter leaders realized that much of The Chosen is filmed less than twenty minutes from Nelson University. After contacting the production team, the group was graciously invited to tour the studio at the beginning of the Fall 2025 semester.
The production team welcomed the Nelson group on “wrap day,” the final day of filming for Season 6.
During the tour, students and faculty visited several of the show’s sets, including Phoebe’s House, Caiaphas’ House, Pilate’s House, and Lazarus’ House. The group also toured the production offices and a grove of ancient olive trees located on the studio campus. Participants were able to observe elements of the filming process and learn how scenes from the series are brought to life.
Members of the production team generously answered questions throughout the 90-minute visit, offering insights into the creative and spiritual vision behind the series.
“The goal of The Chosen is not to replace the Bible, but to inspire people to explore the Bible for themselves,” said Gabe Testerman, one of the guides who led the Nelson group through the studio.
Fifteen members of Theta Alpha Kappa participated in the tour, including faculty members Dr. Daugherty, Dr. Espinoza, Dr. Reynolds, and Dr. Odell. Both students and faculty described the experience as inspiring and memorable, with one honor society member traveling from out of state to participate.
The Nelson group also had the opportunity to briefly meet actor Demetrios Troy (“Lazarus”), who stepped away from the set to greet the visitors as they passed through the studio.
Special thanks were extended to those who helped make the tour possible, including Landon Williams, Operations Coordinator at Red Letter Management Group; Brad Fogarty, Vice President of Talent for 5&2 Studios and Head of Talent at Come and See Foundation; and Gabe Testerman, Talent Coordinator with 5&2 Studios.
Faculty and students alike expressed gratitude to the entire cast and crew of The Chosen for their generosity and hospitality.
For students studying Scripture and theology, the experience provided a powerful connection between their academic study of the Bible and the creative storytelling that brings its narratives to audiences around the world.
About Nelson University:
Nelson University is a private Christian university located just 30 minutes south of the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. Founded in 1927, the university offers more than 70 undergraduate and graduate degrees, both on campus and online. Committed to integrating faith and learning, Nelson prepares students to fulfill their God-given callings in a Spirit-empowered community. For more information, visitwww.nelson.edu or call 1-888-937-7248.